bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Magnificent 8 Found Inspiration in Magazines

July 28, 2021 / 48 Comments
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Back in April, I shared an outfit that was inspired by a photoshoot in the January 2021 edition of InStyle Magazine after seeing Jodie’s post where Lesley recreated an outfit inspired by a Fendi ad in the March 2021 edition of InStyle Magazine. It was at this time that Jodie suggested a magazine ad as our style prompt for this quarter’s Magnificent 8. We all agreed that this would be a super fun challenge and now here we are with our outfits inspired by something we found in a magazine.

I have free subscriptions to InStyle and Essence Magazines that I got from ordering shoes from Shoe Dazzle and JustFab. I figured there was enough inspiration in the few months of magazines that piled up on my desk so I started flipping through them all and marking the pages with outfits that I would wear and could recreate from things that I already owned. I had my heart set on this minimalist menswear outfit that was featured in the May 2021 edition of InStyle.

May 2021, InStyle Magazine, page 37

My problem with this outfit is that I do not own a cute little menswear inspired waistcoat. But I figured I could easily find one for a few dollars at a thrift shop. Never needing much motivation to go thrifting, I headed out two weeks ago in search of this final piece to complete my magazine inspired outfit. As I was walking out the door, I checked the mailbox and the August 2021 edition of InStyle was waiting there. I grabbed it and threw into the car with me just in case I failed at finding the perfect waistcoat.

And I am very glad that I did take the magazine along because there was not a waistcoat to be found in the thrift shop that day. Before I even headed into the store, I flipped through the new magazine to see if anything struck me and I dogeared a few of the pages just in case. I was really drawn to this brightly colored floral ensemble worn by plant expert Christopher Griffin (aka Plant Kween) in their feature article about a bedroom sanctuary of green space. So much for creating my outfit from things already in my closet as I started back at step one right there in the thrift store.

Christopher Griffin aka Plant Kween
August 2021, InStyle Magazine, page 79
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, inspired by Plant Kween

Before stumbling upon this article about green space, Christopher Griffin was completely off my radar. So of course I had to do some research to discover more about this amazingly stylish and boldly quirky individual. Turns out that Plant Kween has quite the extensive Instagram following and is known for their foliage-forward interior decorating as well as their statement making style. Christopher is also the assistant director of the LGBTQ+ center at New York University and is highly visible, inspirational, and influential in that arena as well. Do check out Plant Kween (link is above) on Instagram if you can. Christopher eliminates gender lines and rules when it comes to personal style and I absolutely love that!

So let’s get to my inspired outfit. I have been wanting a pair of bright red wide legged trousers for a few years now and I just can’t seem to find my perfect pair. I went rifling through the trouser rack at the thrift store and spotted the most beautiful pair of red flare leg trousers from Zara and they were in my size. I did a little happy dance right there in the aisle as I headed to the fitting room with my perfect red pants. Much to my dismay, the side zipper was so damaged that I could not even unzip it to try the pants on. So I ditched the damn pants and suddenly I remembered my bright orange trousers that I featured in my Dress Like a Millionaire post back in May.

I had the pants and I had some pointy white ankle boots that were close enough to Christopher’s striking white pumps. But I do not have very many floral blouses. I was very pleased when I spotted this printed blouse in oranges and reds from Banana Republic. It was my size, it was the right colors, and it was only $5.99. I also snagged up this cute white blazer on the same trip which I had not initially intended to wear with this outfit. I just have been wanting a white blazer for a while now (I ended up with two from this shopping trip.)

bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

When I got home and put it all together, I felt like my patterned blouse was not quite wild enough to reflect the same bold style as Christopher, so I added a brightly colored paisley scarf for a bit of pattern mixing. Before I showed my husband my outfit, I showed him the photograph that was my inspiration. His first reaction was a slight eye roll and a gentle shake of the head indicating that he really did not like this outfit. Then I came down the steps in my creation and his jaw dropped in admiration and he liked it a whole lot! It is very bright and cheerful and made me smile the whole time I was wearing it.

We headed off to Niagara Falls this past weekend for a little family adventure (I will share more about that on Friday) and I decided that the hotel would be the perfect backdrop for photos since they usually have lots of plants and I have none! The hotel staff was really helpful and accommodating in suggesting certain locations in and around the hotel that would be great for a photoshoot. We were able to snap a few photos outdoors before it started raining and then moved inside for a few more. Then I changed into jean shorts and tee shirt to head off see the falls. I do look forward to having some place to go where this outfit would be suitable. I know that I will certainly be visible while wearing it!

bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
bright orange trousers, pattern mixing, print mix, thrifted style, white blazer, white boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Speaking of being visible in our clothing, my 10 year old recently informed me that he really likes when I dress in brightly colored wild outfits because he can always find me in a crowd! Be still my heart. That made my soul sing.

Have you ever been inspired to create an outfit from a magazine ad? I have been finding style inspiration in fashion and other magazines for as long as I could read.

Won’t you have a look at how my magnificent friends in this group have styled their outfits from magazine inspiration. Just click on the links to their blogs below.

The Magnificent 8 is a collaboration among 8 stylish women, each in a different age bracket, ranging from early 20’s to early 80’s. The mission of this collaboration is to show you just how ageless style is, how we can each dress however we’d like and in ways that make us feel fabulous. There are no age restrictions on style. So wear what you want, when you want, add a smile, and strut your style with confidence.

Every quarter, we choose a theme and each create an outfit that suits our own personal tastes and fashion choices and we post them on the last Wednesday of every third month. So be sure to go check out everyone’s posts for lots of style inspiration at any age!

Let me introduce the ladies of The Magnificent 8.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Shirt and Blazer-Thrifted / Pants-Nine West / Boot-Payless / Scarf-Old / Earrings-c/o Anjolee

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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48 Comments

  • Suzy

    July 28, 2021 at 10:45 am Reply

    Oh how I love this, Shelbee!!! You totally nailed it! I’d never heard of Christopher before either but he certainly comes across as a wild and fun person to follow!
    It was such a shame that the red flares were so broken because they sounded like perfection (I do love me some flares, especially coloured ones!). The blouse is super cute with the orange, and one of my favourite things is actually the boots with the white blazer (which I’m ALL OVER by the way. I need one in my life lol!!).
    As for your trip to Niagara Falls, I’m so envious! We visited Niagara back in 2010 in the middle of winter when they were frozen solid (I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold!) but it was freaking amazing. We were on the Canadian side though. I don’t know how different it is to the US side. Equally as gorgeous, I’m sure!
    I love what your little boy said, by the way. You’ve created such an amazing little soul there, Shelbee.
    huge hugs my friend
    Suzy xxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 28, 2021 at 12:23 pm Reply

      Aw, Suzy, thanks so much, my friend! I had fun with this outfit recreation and I was super excited that it brought my awareness to this really cool, inspiring individual as well! I always hear that the falls are prettier from the Canadian side, but I feel like we are seeing both of sides of them anyway when we ride the boat straight into the middle! It is a very powerful experience when you feel the tons of water crashing down. And of course, when the US boat passes the Canadian boat, we all wave at each other in excitement! It was as fun time, for sure!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    July 28, 2021 at 10:46 am Reply

    Shelbee, you did a great job recreating this look – spot on my friend! How cool that you were able to use the beautiful hotel grounds to pull off the perfect photo shoot – talk about great timing!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 28, 2021 at 12:17 pm Reply

      Thanks, Kellyann! At first, I was trying to squeeze in this photoshoot before we went away for the weekend, but it was easy enough to take the outfit with me and take advantage of a different photo location. I am glad that I decided to do it this way!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy

    July 28, 2021 at 12:37 pm Reply

    What a fun theme. I also love that menswear outfit but I also can never find a perfect waistcoat. But I have a white long blouse and have no idea how to wear it, but now I’m going to search for a waistcoat. But the colorful look is a very happy one! A joyful one!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 1:22 pm Reply

      Hehe, thanks so much, Nancy! I have a bunch of long blouses that would look so cute with a menswear waistcoat. The only one I have is the orange fish and bird print one. It’s a cute vest, but I feel like this look really needs a striped one or something more subtle and more masculine. I hope you find the perfect waistcoat and can recreate this look. You would totally rock it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheila (of Ephemera)

    July 28, 2021 at 5:41 pm Reply

    I used to tear out pages from magazines (Glamour up till the 90s, then InStyle until the 10s) as inspiration for looks I loved – it’s a great way to help one hone in on what our preferences are and then try looks you know will work.

    You did a fantastic job of recreating this outfit – and this makes me realize how much I love my red wide-legged Zara linen trousers! I hemmed them yesterday too, so now they are a better length.

    Great work on changing up this look to suit yourself – I love that your husband’s mind changed when he saw the look in person on you. That’ just goes to show – you have to keep trying new things! You never know when you’re going to hit your sweet spot!

    Rock on, Shelbee!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 12:59 pm Reply

      Hehe, thanks so much, Sheila! I used to cut out pictures from fashion magazines and department store catalogs way long ago before there was internet. I made all sorts of mood boards for outfit and home decor inspiration. It was such a wonderful creative outlet back then. I do still enjoy flipping through the glossy pages of a fashion magazine! I would never pay for a subscription for a print magazine, but when it’s free, I’ll take it! But then I get all concerned with making sure I am properly recycling this stuff! Making my fun hobby into more work for myself. Haha. My husband really made me laugh with this outfit. He did not like it at all in the inspiration photo. When I was all dressed, I proudly stated that I would happily march myself through town in this brightly colored combination and he proudly replied in return that he would march right next to me in his faded old tee shirt and basketball shorts! Haha. We are a pair. I am glad that you got around to hemming your red Zara pants for a better fit. I will continue to search for my perfect pair!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Grace

    July 28, 2021 at 6:33 pm Reply

    Holy cow Shelbee, this outfit recreation is spot on!! Love the bold colors and how you styled them together! These pictures are also great, and the backdrop is the perfect complement to the outfit. Great job!

    -Grace

    gracefulrags.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 12:53 pm Reply

      Thanks, Grace! This was super fun and I love the way this outfit turned out. I just wish I had somewhere amazing to wear it! This theme was so great, too, because it allowed us all to go in very different directions and just share how we can create outfits from any kind of inspiration we may spot in the world. October is next…we need a theme!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jodie Filogomo

    July 28, 2021 at 8:17 pm Reply

    Your 10-year-old is a smart cookie!! That’s one reason I will wear a hat when we go to festivals and crowded places…then you can find me!
    As for the outfit, I LOVE this!! I saw that spread in InStyle, and thought to myself that I could recreate it too (at least when it cools down somewhat, haha)
    Another fabulous Magnificent 8 post!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 12:50 pm Reply

      Hehe, thanks, Jodie! I do have some pretty smart kiddos on my hands! But it makes sense, right? I love that my kids are into tie dye right now because they will choose their brightly colored tee shirts to wear places and then I can always spot them as well! I hadn’t even thought of that from a hat perspective. But now I know that hats have more benefits than I had originally known. This was such a fun theme! And I really like how everyone did something a little bit different and approached it a variety of ways and interpretations. Now we need a unique theme for October! I do hope you get the chance to recreate Plant Kween’s outfit! I am sure it will be amazing!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rena

    July 29, 2021 at 4:35 am Reply

    I used to have several fashion magazine subscriptions back in the day and then my mother would give me her more “mid-life mom” magazines once she had read them. Now I have a monthly digital subscription through which I can read dozens of magazines but it’s not the same as having them in your hand. I think you did a great job in selecting an inspirational look as well as human to model your outfit after. What a great location for a photo shoot.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 11:39 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Rena! Oh, I remember those days of being magazine obsessed! I even cut out pictures from the department store catalogs for fashion inspiration. And my best friend and I would create our dream homes using the furniture and home decor section of the JCPenny and Sears catalogs! Haha. Old school mood boards were a pretty fun creative outlet. I haven’t even read your post yet so I am heading there now! Have a fabulous day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mica

    July 29, 2021 at 6:18 am Reply

    You look so good in orange! I love the print mixign, you really nailed this outfit in your version! I wish I’d thought to try recreate the poses for my post too but it would have taken some smarter camera angles than just myself and a tripod I think, haha! 🙂 Such a good theme and resulting outfit – definitely a good choice when you couldn’t find a waistcoat!

    Hope your week is going well 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 29, 2021 at 11:35 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Mica! I always recreate the poses because it just makes me laugh! But I agree that it would be too difficult if I was taking my own photos with a tripod. It takes a whole bunch of tries with my husband helping to me get into the poses. I am having a moment with orange right now! It isn’t a color that I wear often and I am rarely drawn to it. But I have recently added 4 or 5 new orange pieces to my wardrobe. It’s such a cheerful color! This was a super fun theme. Now we have to come up with a new one for October.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Claire

    July 29, 2021 at 12:50 pm Reply

    Bright and beautiful, Shelbee. I love this look and your trouser are stunning. So me 🙂

    Thanks so much for linking up to The Wednesday Link Up. I hope you can join us again tomorrow for our next party 🙂 #TheWednesdayLinkUp

  • Pam

    July 29, 2021 at 6:25 pm Reply

    OH, I LOVE how you recreated that magazine cover. It’s perfect! My daughter and my sister both, like you, put together the most wonderful outfits when they go thrifting! I don’t think I am talented or patient enough. My mom (back in the 40s!) used to recreate outfits that she saw in Vogue, but she would sew them! (My daughter sews too. Sadly, I didn’t get enough of my mom’s genes, I don’t think!) I enjoyed this so much. That Menswear minimalist photo is so cute, too. It reminds me of something I wore back in the day.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 30, 2021 at 1:12 pm Reply

      Pam, thanks so much! Getting creative with outfits is my favorite past time and the way that I can best express myself. I have been an avid thrifter since I was in my teens (so 30 plus years). I remember presenting gorgeous pictures of outfits from fashion magazines to my mother and she would sew them for me with my specified tweaks and such. She was a very talented seamstress but I didn’t get that gene either! She was trying to teach me how to sew when I was in my late 20’s but then she passed away when I was 31 and I never quite got the hang of it. Actually, today is her birthday! She would be 73. (Happy Birthday, Mom!)

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle,

    July 30, 2021 at 2:39 am Reply

    I love this bright, happy outfit, Shelbee (even better than the one that was your inspiration)! The pattern mixing between the top and the scarf is just fabulous. And the white boots…? LOVE! (Going on my wish list after we move.) And may I say, the white streaks in your hair are just stunning. Since they don’t show when you wear your hair down, I forget they are e, then wham! Awesome!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 30, 2021 at 1:06 pm Reply

      Aw, Michelle, thanks so much! When I put the outfit together without the scarf, it was okay, not spectacular. I knew it needed something crazy and bold at the neck and when I added the scarf it was kind of magical! I am surprised by how the white streaks in my hair show up so boldly in photos. I haven’t had my hair cut or colored in over a year and I really need to get it freshened up to make the black blacker and the white streak whiter. You definitely need some white booties! They are very versatile and great to have on hand!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Karren Haller

    August 8, 2021 at 3:02 pm Reply

    You look marvelous in your recreation, the colors are bold and fun for summer. When I was sewing, I made pants and a vest with a billowy blouse, I loved the colr and I found sandals to match. Thank you for sharing on #omhgww last week and for thi sweek I am putting you on stage!
    PS I love the setting for your photo shoot, perfect!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 9, 2021 at 11:31 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Karren! I had fun recreating this look with these bright bold colors and patterns. Plus my inspiration was just so fun, too! I am picturing your billowy blouse outfit and smiling so big right now. I bet it was such a cool look and even cooler that you made it for yourself. That is a skill that I have always wished to possess…making my own clothing. Thanks for the feature this week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 9, 2021 at 11:24 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Jess! I was totally bummed about the red Zara pants! But I will find my perfect pair of red trousers when the time is right. I really loved the way this outfit turned out, too. It is so bright and cheerful and eclectic and most definitely visible! You can see me coming from a mile away in these bright colors.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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